Road test: Royal Enfield GT Continental

Your heart misses a beat when you first see the Royal Enfield Continental GT cafe racer. With its red paint job, clip-on handlebars and single, upright cylinder, it just looks right. Pretty, even.

They used to be made in Britain, but that ended in the Sixties. Now they’re built in India and imported by MotoGB, which sells them for £4,999, not a lot for a new bike.

You can kickstart or use the electric button; either way it usually takes a few goes before coughing into life. Then you’re off, accompanied by that stirring thump, thump, thump and slight resonance through the seat, great aluminium footpegs and bars, from that air-cooled 535cc, fuel-injected engine cradled in a nice, old-fashioned steel frame. Lovely. You don’t want to rev the engine much; the fun comes in opening up the throttle, enjoying the rush of speed and then changing up before it gets too vibey. The best power is fairly low down the rev range, and the five-speed gearbox is unfailingly pleasant to use, too. The ride is on the firm side from those rear gas-charged Paioli shocks — mind the potholes — but it translates into a neat-handling, deft ride that’s perfect for getting around town.

I’ll be sorry to see this head-turner go; I’ve been inventing excuses for short rides despite the chill. It’s that kind of bike; one for sheer fun.

Royal Enfield has a bright and comparatively inexpensive range of gear designed to complement the bikes. The GT Continental Riding Jacket is good value at £139.99, even if the designers overdid the logos and mesh panels.

Made from abrasion-resistant nylon with reflective white piping it has a built-to-a-budget feel but is light, flexible and comfortable — and with its zip-out liner is a credible year-round jacket. It has a waterproof liner, soft necklining and lightweight shoulder and elbow armour.

Royal Enfield GT Continental
Price: £4,999;
Engine: 535cc single;
Max power: 29.1 bhp

Follow David Williams on Twitter at @djrwilliams